Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been attracting attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
An increasing number of studies are being carried out to understand how psilocybin may alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and addiction. Magic mushrooms are a source of 5-HT2A receptor agonists, which have emerged as promising new treatment options for a variety of inflammation-related disorders. In this article, we explore this topic further.
What are 5-HT2A receptor agonists?
The 5-HT2A receptor is a protein encoded by the HTR2A gene. It is a subtype of the serotonin receptor and is primarily found in the central nervous system, specifically in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in various physiological processes such as mood regulation, cognition and perception.
The best-known 5-HT2A receptor agonists are psychedelic substances such as LSD, psilocybin and DMT. These substances occur naturally in some plants and fungi (e.g. magic mushrooms and magic truffles) or are synthesised in a laboratory (LSD).
There are also some pharmaceutical drugs that act as 5-HT2A receptor agonists, including certain atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine and risperidone, and certain antidepressants such as trazodone and nefazodone.
It turns out that 5-HT2A receptor agonists are demonstrating surprising potency as anti-inflammatory agents. There is growing evidence that psilocybin may act as an anti-inflammatory agent, offering a new and exciting treatment strategy for inflammatory disorders affecting both the mind and the body.
Recent studies have shown that, as well as stimulating neuroplasticity, psilocybin mushrooms and other 5-HT2A receptor agonists reduced inflammation in mice with colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Psilocybin also reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the brains of rats with traumatic brain injuries. Following these initial promising studies, we hope to see new psilocybin-based treatments developed to combat inflammatory disorders, including:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- colitis
- neuroinflammation
- chronic pain
- inflammatory bowel disease
- multiple sclerosis
Whilst further research is needed to fully understand the anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelic fungi, it has also been suggested that psilocybin’s anti-inflammatory properties may be related to its ability to modulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are small proteins that play important roles in communication within the immune system. Cytokines can be either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory in nature, depending on their specific functions. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in promoting inflammation and activating immune cells to fight off infections or other threats to the body, whilst anti-inflammatory cytokines help to resolve inflammation and prevent excessive immune responses that can damage healthy tissues.
How does psilocybin regulate inflammation?
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury, infection or other forms of stress on the body. When inflammation becomes chronic, it can contribute to the development of a range of health problems, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases and even certain types of cancer. This is where psychedelic fungi may be able to help.
Studies have investigated the mechanisms by which 5-HT2A agonists produce their anti-inflammatory effects. One potential mechanism is the activation of the sigma-1 receptor, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in various animal models. Another proposed mechanism involves the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathway, which plays a crucial role in the immune response and inflammation.
In addition to psilocybin, other compounds found in psychedelic fungi, such as ergothioneine and hericenones, have also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Ergothioneine, for example, has been shown to reduce inflammation in human cells in vitro, whilst hericenones have been shown to reduce inflammation in mice with colitis.
Does it work?
Whilst scientific research is still struggling to understand all the mechanisms behind psychedelics, a great deal of anecdotal evidence is simultaneously emerging.
Online forums such as Reddit, in particular, have been buzzing in recent years with reports from people who have discovered the benefits of magic mushrooms for inflammatory conditions. In particular, the practice of microdosing is showing remarkable benefits that have yet to be fully explored and explained.
However, it makes sense to hypothesise that taking inflammation-regulating substances on a regular basis can help reduce levels of inflammation over time and ensure a healthier state of homeostasis for the body.